On a chilly day, nothing warms us up quite like a steaming mug of hot chocolate. In our house, it’s more than just a drink, it’s a tradition. As soon as the air turns crisp and the cozy blankets come out, my kids know to check the pantry for a big jar of homemade hot chocolate mix and a batch of my homemade marshmallows (made without corn syrup) waiting to be stirred in.
But here’s the twist: I don’t use powdered sugar in my mix.
Most recipes online call for it, but I’ve found that keeping things simple with organic cane sugar (or sometimes coconut sugar) gives a cleaner, more wholesome flavor — and it fits right in with my Natural Rooted Home style of cooking from scratch.
Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe (No Powdered Sugar)
This recipe is simple, pantry-friendly, and perfect for cozy nights or gifting in jars.
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups organic cane sugar (or swap half for vanilla sugar)
- 1 ½ cups whole milk powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Optional: 1 teaspoon cinnamon or ½ teaspoon vanilla powder
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together cocoa powder, sugar, milk powder, and sea salt.
- Whisk ingredients until completely mixed.
- Add any optional flavorings.
- Store in a sealed glass jar for up to 6 months.
To Serve: Warm 1 cup of milk and whisk in 2–3 tablespoons of the mix until frothy. Top with homemade marshmallows or whipped cream. This recipe can also be made with boiling water if you’re in a pinch but it tastes best if you use milk.
Why Make Hot Chocolate Mix at Home
I could easily grab a box of hot cocoa packets at the store, but here’s why I make it myself instead:
- Cleaner ingredients – no fillers, preservatives, or corn syrup solids.
- Less sugar, better flavor – using cane sugar keeps it sweet without being overpowering.
- Budget-friendly – making a big jar costs less than buying premade packets.
- Kid-approved – my children love scooping the mix themselves and whisking it into milk.
- Giftable – fill a mason jar, tie it with twine, and you’ve got a simple, heartfelt gift.
Homemade hot chocolate mix is one of those pantry staples that feels both practical and special — and that’s exactly what I love about it.
Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – choose a high-quality one for the best flavor.
- Organic cane sugar – instead of powdered sugar. It adds sweetness with a touch of caramel depth. You can also use coconut sugar.
- Whole milk powder – for creaminess and body (substitute coconut milk powder for dairy-free).
- Sea salt – just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
- Optional flavor boosters – vanilla sugar, cinnamon, or even a pinch of nutmeg.
How to Make Hot Chocolate Mix from Scratch
Making this mix is as easy as whisk, store, and scoop:
- Sift and whisk – Combine cocoa powder, sugar, milk powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Add flavor – Stir in any extras like cinnamon or vanilla powder.
- Jar it up – Transfer to a glass jar, label, and seal tightly.
- Make cocoa – For each mug, whisk 2–3 tablespoons into hot milk until smooth.
Easy Variations to Try
Because I like giving my readers options, here are a few fun spins on the basic mix:
- Spiced Winter Cocoa Mix – add cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves.
- Peppermint Cocoa Mix – stir in crushed peppermint candy for a festive twist.
- Coconut Cream Cocoa Mix – use coconut milk powder and add finely ground coconut flakes.
- Vanilla Bean Cocoa Mix – make vanilla sugar and use it in place of regular sugar.
However you make it, this hot chocolate mix is even better when served with a sweet treat. My favorite? A mug of cocoa alongside Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls.
Can You Make Hot Chocolate Mix Without Milk Powder?
Yes! While my recipe uses milk powder for extra creaminess, it’s completely optional. If you’d rather not include it, you can still make a delicious hot cocoa mix with just cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
The only difference is in how you prepare it:
- With milk powder in the mix: You can stir it into hot water or milk.
- Without milk powder in the mix: Always prepare it with warm milk (dairy or non-dairy) for the creamiest flavor.
Some families prefer skipping milk powder because it:
- Keeps the recipe even simpler and shelf-stable.
- Works well for those who want dairy-free options.
- Lets you choose fresh whole milk, oat milk, or almond milk when serving.
So yes, your pantry mix can be as simple as three ingredients, and you’ll still have the same cozy mug of hot cocoa — just whisk it into milk instead of water.
Hot Cocoa Mix in a Jar for Gifting
- Gift Idea: Fill a mason jar, add a tag with instructions, and tie it with ribbon or twine. This is one of my favorite simple Christmas gifts — teachers, neighbors, and friends all love it.
- Pantry Storage: Keep your jar in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Shake occasionally to keep it evenly blended.
- Batch Cooking: Double or triple the recipe and keep multiple jars stocked during winter. With four kids, one jar never lasts long in my house!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does homemade hot chocolate mix last?
Stored in an airtight jar in a cool place, it stays fresh for up to 6 months.
Can I make this mix dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut milk powder instead of whole milk powder. It’s creamy and delicious.
What’s the difference between hot cocoa mix and hot chocolate mix?
People often use the terms interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference. Hot cocoa usually refers to a lighter drink made with cocoa powder, while hot chocolate is often richer and made with melted chocolate. Since melted chocolate can’t be stored on a shelf, cocoa powder is the essential base for any shelf-stable hot chocolate mix you keep in your pantry.
How do I keep the mix from clumping?
Sift your ingredients before mixing, and give your jar a shake before each use. Arrowroot powder (optional) also helps keep it smooth.
A Cozy Pantry Staple for Winter
Homemade hot chocolate mix is the kind of simple recipe that makes a big impact. It turns cold days into cozy ones, keeps your pantry stocked with comfort, and makes holiday gifting a breeze.
I may not have the fanciest kitchen, but I do have a wooden spoon, a big mixing bowl, and a love for keeping traditions alive with my kids. And for us, that looks like a jar of homemade hot chocolate mix (no powdered sugar) sitting on the counter, ready to be scooped into warm milk whenever the mood strikes.
So go ahead — whisk up a batch, tuck it into your pantry, and enjoy the comfort of knowing you can make a mug of from-scratch hot cocoa anytime.
Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix (No Powdered Sugar)
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups organic cane sugar or swap half for vanilla sugar
- 1 ½ cups whole milk powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Optional: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or ½ teaspoon vanilla powder
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together cocoa powder, sugar, milk powder, and sea salt.
- Whisk until all ingredients are completely combined.
- Stir in any optional flavorings.
- Transfer to a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Label and store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
To Serve:
- Warm 1 cup of milk.
- Whisk in 2–3 tablespoons of hot chocolate mix until smooth and frothy.
- Top with homemade marshmallows or whipped cream.
- This recipe can also be made with boiling water if needed, though milk gives the best flavor.
Notes
Double or triple the recipe for gifting or batch cooking.
Add spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or cloves for seasonal flavor variations.
Shelf Life: Up to 6 months in a sealed jar; longer if vacuum sealed.
Hi, I’m Ashley — mama, maker, and lover of all things from-scratch. Around here, you’ll usually find me barefoot in the kitchen, covered in flour or beeswax, with kids underfoot and something simmering on the stove. I believe in slow living, simple joys, and the kind of home that smells like cinnamon rolls and sunshine. Find out more about me here.
